A week of sun, sand and surf at the Jersey Shore is our summer vacation. We spend our time reading trashy magazines on the beach, floating on tubes in the ocean, digging super deep holes in the sand, concocting new drinks for happy hour, and discussing what we will have for dinner while we are still eating breakfast. Each night, a different group takes on dinner detail. It could be a couple, a bunch of kids, or Grandma and Grandpa who plan, cook, serve, and clean up our nightly feast.
When The Husband and I took our turn preparing dinner, we decided on a typical beach meal that we knew everyone would love. We dined on a couple appetizers of Garlic Clams on the Grill
and Grilled Old Bay Shrimp
followed by 15 pounds of steamed lobster claws,
Sweet and Tangy Slaw
a huge caprese salad of fresh mozzarella, Jersey tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and crusty loaves of Italian bread.
The shrimp appetizer was the first to be served
and was gobbled up in no time.
After a request from Grandma for the recipe and the speed at which the shrimp disappeared, I decided that the incredibly easy recipe was a keeper.
The clams were devoured just as quickly with The Husband practically drinking the garlic infused wine sauce they were cooked in.
Next up were two huge pans of steamed lobster claws that we picked up earlier in the day from Point Lobster Company in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. This is the best way to have a lobster feast because the claws are all meat and by enlisting a couple family members as the crackers of the claws, retrieving the meat from the shells is a breeze.
The leftover lobster meat is removed from the shells by a couple more diners
and becomes tomorrow's lunch of Lobster Rolls.
Taking on the role of supervisor in the kitchen, I make sure that dinner runs smoothly. And with the help of many family members and a few cocktails, it always does.
Happy Summer!
Grilled Old Bay Shrimp
1/2 stick of butter melted and cooled
4 cloves of garlic chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
2 pounds of large shrimp (21 - 25 per pound) peeled with tails on and deveined
about 24 (12 inch) wooden skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes
spicy cocktail - there are many tasty store brands to choose from
In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic and Old Bay Seasoning. Place shrimp in a large resealable bag and add the butter mixture. Squish around the contents of the bag so that all the shrimp are well coated with the marinade. Seal the bag and let the shrimp marinate for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Meanwhile, prepare a hot grill and skewer the shrimp. To skewer the shrimp, lay 2 skewers parallel with each other and thread the top portion of about 5 shrimp onto each pair. By threading the shrimp on two skewers, it is easier to grill them as the shrimp does not spin around when being turned over on the grill.
Grill the shrimp for about 3 - 4 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they will be tough. Remove the skewers from the grill and take the shrimp off the skewers and place on a large serving dish. Serve with cocktail sauce if desired.
Print recipe
A special thanks to my nephew Will for being my photographer for the evening.
10 comments:
Half the reason why all this tastes so good is that it was enjoyed on the beach!
I agree with Peter, but the other half of why it tastes so good is because it was all shared and enjoyed together with your family. Sounds like a lovely time at the beach (or down the shore as we say in Jersey)
Nothing better than good food and the company you are sharing it with! This looks and sounds delicious!
I enjoyed just scrolling down the page at all the fantastic food. I can imagine how delicious it all was and fun to make with so many eager hands in the kitchen.
Ocean, sun and incredible food enjoyed with you and your family, I would say that's an awesome summer vacation!
Wow, what a great vacation! Thanks for sharing.
Brings back great memories of my years at the NJ shore! Miss it! Looks like you had a great time and got some good relaxing done! And eating too!
LOVE the look of that caprese salad, what a fabulous summer you're having!
I grew up in Maryland and the combination of Old Bay Seasoning and Shrimp is a classic. You've inspired me to make this tonight. The whole meal looked like the perfect summertime meal to share with family.
Love the Old Bay! That is EXCELLENT food photography!
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